Oscar-winning actor Morgan Freeman paid tribute to Gene Hackman during the In Memoriam segment at the 97th Academy Awards, calling him a “giant” of Hollywood and a “dear friend.”
Freeman shared his personal experience working with Hackman, saying, “Like everyone who ever shared a scene with him, I learned that he was a generous performer whose gifts elevated everyone’s work. He won two Oscars, but more importantly, he won the hearts of film lovers all over the world.”
Freeman recalled Hackman’s humble attitude towards fame, quoting him: “Gene always said, ‘I don’t think about legacy. I just hope people remember me as someone who tried to do good work.’ So, I think I speak for all of us when I say: Gene, you’ll be remembered for that—and for so much more.”
“Rest in peace, my friend,” Freeman concluded.
Hackman and Freeman starred together in Unforgiven and Under Suspicion. Hackman won Best Actor for The French Connection and Best Supporting Actor for Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven, while Freeman took home the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for Eastwood’s Million Dollar Baby.
Hackman, 95, and his wife, 65-year-old classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in separate rooms at their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home. Authorities have labeled their deaths “suspicious” but have not ruled out foul play. A search warrant stated that the circumstances were unusual enough to warrant a full investigation, though no obvious signs of foul play were found.
Hackman’s family issued a statement saying, “He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us, he was always just Dad and Grandpa. We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss.”
The In Memoriam segment also honored other Hollywood legends like Teri Garr, Donald Sutherland, Shelley Duvall, David Lynch, and James Earl Jones. Hackman was the final star featured in the tribute.
